If you or someone you know is autistic, you may have noticed certain differences in how the world is perceived, processed, and responded to. From sensory overload to a strong focus on details, the autistic experience is unique, often challenging, but also filled with strengths. To help understand this better, two key theories have emerged in research: “Central Coherence Theory” and the “Predictive Brain Model”. Let’s break these concepts down and explore how they relate to everyday autistic experiences.

What is central coherence?

“Central coherence” refers to the brain’s ability to bring together different pieces of information to form a big picture or a holistic understanding of the world around us. In most neurotypical individuals, there is a natural tendency to integrate details into a larger context. This means that when they see a scene, hear a conversation, or engage in a task, their brain effortlessly combines various bits of information (the colours, sounds, emotions, and so on) into a cohesive understanding.

In contrast, many autistic individuals are thought to have what is called “weak central coherence”. This means that their brains may focus more on the individual details rather than the overall context. For example, when looking at a tree, a neurotypical person might see the tree as part of a beautiful forest, while an autistic person might notice the fine texture of the bark or the unique shape of each leaf before connecting it to the larger scene.

Strengths and challenges of weak central coherence

It’s important to understand that weak central coherence isn’t simply a deficit or a disadvantage. It represents a different style of processing information, with both strengths and challenges. 

Strengths:

Attention to detail: People with autism often excel at noticing patterns and details that others miss. This can be a huge asset in areas like mathematics, music, coding, or art, where fine-grained focus is a strength.

Accuracy: Because there’s less automatic filtering of information, autistic individuals may be able to provide more precise and factual accounts of events, rather than simplifying or summarising them.

Challenges:

Difficulty with context: Sometimes, the brain’s focus on detail can make it harder to see the bigger picture. For instance, social situations, where tone, body language, and context are key to understanding, may be more confusing.

Overload: Focusing intensely on details can sometimes lead to sensory overload or difficulty making decisions, especially in busy or chaotic environments.

The predictive brain model

Now, let’s move to the “Predictive Brain Model”, a theory rooted in how our brains function as prediction machines. According to this model, the brain is constantly generating predictions about what’s going to happen next, based on past experiences and the sensory information it receives. These predictions help us navigate the world efficiently because instead of processing every piece of information from scratch, the brain uses its predictions to fill in the gaps.

For example, when you walk into a coffee shop, your brain predicts what you’ll see (a counter, chairs, people), what you’ll hear (conversations, coffee machines), and what you’ll smell (brewed coffee). If something is wildly unexpected—like seeing a horse in the coffee shop—your brain will register surprise and will quickly update its predictions to adjust to this new information.

Autistic Brains and Predictive Model?

For autistic individuals, however, this predictive system might function differently. Research suggests that autistic brains may place more emphasis on incoming sensory information, rather than relying on predictions. This could mean that every experience feels new and unfiltered, and the brain might struggle to streamline information by using prior knowledge or context.

In practical terms, this might explain why routine changes, unexpected events, or certain sensory stimuli can feel overwhelming or unsettling to an autistic person. Without the brain’s usual reliance on prediction to ease processing, everything may feel like it requires intense focus and attention. This can lead to feelings of anxiety or sensory overload, as the world may often seem unpredictable and difficult to manage.

How These Theories Explain Autistic Experiences

Both Central Coherence Theory and the Predictive Brain Model offer valuable insights into why autistic individuals experience the world in the way they do. Here’s how these theories can help make sense of common autistic experiences:

1. Detail-Oriented Thinking

  Many autistic individuals describe being drawn to small details that others may overlook. This can be understood through weak central coherence. The brain is tuned to focus on each piece of information individually, instead of automatically merging it into a larger picture. 

  The Predictive Brain Model adds another layer of understanding: without the same reliance on prediction, every new detail must be processed fully, making details stand out even more. This can be both a strength (think of the precision and focus) and a source of overwhelm.

2. Sensory Sensitivities

  Autistic people often experience sensory sensitivities—lights can feel too bright, sounds too loud, and textures uncomfortable. According to the Predictive Brain Model, if the brain isn’t relying as much on predictions to smooth over sensory input, then every sensation is perceived more intensely. The world feels sharper and more immediate, which can make sensory input overwhelming.

3. Difficulty with Changes in Routine

  Routine is important for many autistic people because it brings predictability. According to the Predictive Brain Model, when routines are disrupted, the brain struggles to create accurate predictions for what’s going to happen next. This uncertainty can cause anxiety and discomfort because the autistic brain might need to process new information from scratch, without the comfort of reliable predictions to fall back on.

4. Social Challenges

  Social interactions are highly contextual and rely heavily on predicting what others are thinking or feeling based on subtle cues like tone of voice or facial expressions. Weak central coherence can make it harder to integrate these cues into a coherent understanding of social situations. Similarly, if the predictive brain isn’t operating in the usual way, it may be harder to anticipate how others will respond, making socializing more unpredictable and, at times, exhausting.

5. Strength in Special Interests

  One area where weak central coherence shines is in the development of **special interests**. Autistic people often have intense, focused interests in specific topics. This could be due to their ability to hone in on details and their desire for predictability—knowing everything about a particular subject offers a sense of control and mastery in a world that can otherwise feel unpredictable.

Embracing differences in processing

It’s essential to understand that neither weak central coherence nor differences in the predictive brain model are inherently "bad" or "deficient." They represent a different way of processing information—one that comes with both strengths and challenges. 

Recognising these differences can help autistic individuals and those around them better understand why certain things may feel difficult or overwhelming, and why their strengths—such as attention to detail, deep focus, and honesty—are so remarkable.

For autistic individuals, knowing that their brains are wired differently in terms of central coherence and prediction can provide a new lens through which to understand themselves. It can also open the door to strategies for managing the challenges—whether through sensory tools, social scripts, or routines that enhance predictability.

In the end, understanding these theories not only helps explain the unique autistic experience but also affirms that being different is a reflection of neurological diversity, something that enriches the world in countless ways.